Babysitting sounds simple—play with the kids, make snacks, keep them safe until the parents get home. But for many nannies, the job has come with stories that are so chaotic, stressful, or downright bizarre that they’re hard to forget. Here are ten real nanny experiences that prove looking after kids isn’t for the faint of heart.
1. The Glitter Explosion
One nanny left the kids unattended for two minutes, only to find the entire living room coated in glitter. It took days to clean, and the parents weren’t happy.
2. The Great Escape
A toddler somehow figured out how to unlock the front door and made it three houses down before the nanny noticed. She spent hours shaking, terrified at what could’ve happened.
3. The Mystery Phone Call
One babysitter answered the house phone to hear a strange voice asking for the parents. Later, she discovered it was the five-year-old using a second line to prank her.
4. The Vomit Chain Reaction
At a sleepover, one child got sick, then another, then another—until all six kids were throwing up while the nanny tried to clean and comfort them alone.
5. The Locked Bathroom
A three-year-old locked himself in the bathroom and refused to come out. The fire department had to be called to get the door open.
6. The Dog Disaster
While the parents were away, the family dog got into the pantry, tore open bags of flour, and tracked paw prints all through the house. The kids thought it was hilarious—the nanny didn’t.
7. The Truth Teller
A child announced loudly in a grocery store, “My nanny isn’t my real mom!”—making everyone stare and judge, while the embarrassed nanny struggled to explain.
8. The Sharpie Artist
One nanny turned her back for ten minutes and found the kids had covered the walls, couch, and themselves with permanent marker.
9. The Fire Alarm Frenzy
Burnt popcorn triggered the smoke alarm, and the kids were convinced the house was on fire. They ran screaming outside in their pajamas, neighbors watching.
10. The Midnight Caller
A nanny woke to find the kids calling 911 “just to chat.” The police showed up at the door, and she had to explain it was just curiosity gone wrong.
Being a nanny can be rewarding, but moments like these show it’s also a job that can test patience, stamina, and even sanity. Behind every smiling babysitter is a story they’ll never forget—and probably wouldn’t wish on their worst enemy.
